Business & farm

@mms6992 The IRS will not tell you if someone filed a return claiming your children nor will they tell you who did it if that happened.   If you suspect tax -related identity theft:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900655-what-to-do-if-you-suspect-tax-related-identity-theft

Most important) Follow the IRS procedures for reporting a fraudulent return, documented here: www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft

IRS INFORMATION REFERRAL TO REPORT VIOLATION OF TAX LAW

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3949a.pdf

If your Social Security number is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, take these additional steps:

• Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided.
• Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Then print and mail or fax according to the instructions. 
• Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.

6-digit IP NUMBER FROM IRS

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USIRS/bulletins/2af48f0?reqfrom=share

As for getting the enhanced child tax credit for 2021---you can still get it on a 2021 tax return even if you did not have other income in 2021. Do your children have Social Security numbers?   Will they be under the age of 18 at the end of 2021?

You can go on the IRS portal and put in your information as a non-filer for the CTC payments.   If you do not get the monthly payments (which began in July) you can still get the credit on your 2021 tax return.

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-f...

AND....did you receive the stimulus payments for yourself and your children?   You can file a 2020 tax return for the 1st and/or 2nd EIP payments if you did not receive them.

The stimulus check is an advance on a credit you can receive on your 2020 tax return.  If something went wrong or you did not get the stimulus check in 2020, you can get it when you file your 2020 return in early 2021

The Recovery Rebate Credit will be found in the FEDERAL REVIEW section. ( you should see "Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount”)  If you are eligible it will end up on line 30 of your 2020 Form 1040.

Make sure that you enter ALL of the stimulus money received for the 1st and 2nd stimulus for yourself, your spouse and your children.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-j-reconciling-on-your-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

If someone already filed a 2020 return and claimed the children then you will not be able to e-file BUT you can claim the children and print, sign and mail the tax return.   The IRS will sort out who can claim the children.   If someone claimed them fraudulently they will face penalties and repayment of child-related credits and stimulus money they received.